Christian Forum for Safeguarding

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Forum has been convening since 2003. It is a meeting of those concerned to support, encourage and exchange ideas on the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the Christian community, to represent the concerns of members in the UK and to promote Safeguarding.

'SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS IN RECRUITMENT' - Guidance and Good Practice jointly agreed by NSPCC and Churches' Forum for Safeguarding.  
These standards have been agreed by the Forum members in order to promote consistency and best practice across churches in the recruitment of anyone who through their role in their denomination/church organisation has contact with or works with children. They are based on current good practice and are informed by legislation and guidance; evidence from research and experience of what works, drawing from the field of child protection and faith bodies. This is a document for guidance in good practice on recruitment procedures.                      

BACKGROUND
The Forum developed out of both the CTBI four nations meetings of those concerned in the denominations and out of the meetings convened by Churches Together in England that led to the Churches’ Agency for Safeguarding being formed. For the first two years, the meetings of CAS and the wider forum were combined. As CAS developed it became clear that the concerns of the wider group and the CAS itself should be served better by separate meetings and a different constitution. The aims of the two organisations nevertheless remain compatible and CAS is continuing to service the Forum as convenor and host for many meetings.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Forum is open to any denomination, church body or Christian faith orgainsation that is concerned with Child Protection and Safeguarding issues in Great Britain. It is not necessary to be a member of CAS to be a member of the forum.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS
The meetings are chaired by Dean Juster from the Salvation Army. We welcome all contributions and items for the meeting. Advance notice of items should be sent to Ron Ludgate on ludgater@methodistchurch.org.uk / Telephone 0207 467 5189.

TASK GROUPS
The following tasks have been completed by the group so far:
a) To develop Training (pdf) for those handling unclear Disclosures
b) A Vulnerable Adults policy statement for all members                                                                                     

TRAINING                                                                                                                                                                    Further training days for those who will handle unclear Disclosures (Safeguarding Advisors/Assessors and Administrators) for churches, dioceses and denominations are to be planned. If you will like to register interest please contact CFS on cfs@methodistchurch.org.uk .

NOTES OF RECENT MEETINGS

CFS Minutes 07-02-2007 

AGM Minutes 14-06-2007 

CFS Minutes 10-10-2007

Ongoing work and developments among the members of the Forum will be posted on this website.